How To Design An Office in 5 Steps

July 23, 2026

What do modern offices need to deliver in 2026? They must encourage collaboration, foster productivity, and reflect the identity of your brand, often all within just a few meeting rooms and a welcome desk. Before you know it, your design process has become overly complicated and your refit project has stalled before it’s even started, so strip it back to basics this summer as we explore how to design an office in just 5 simple steps.

Key Points

Choose The Layout: Open plan or zoned – which one will work for your business?
Install New Floors: Your office needs durable flooring that will withstand daily use for years to come.
Decorate The Space: Decorating your office is an opportunity to reflect and reinforce your brand.
Refurbish The Washroom: The washroom deserves the same consideration and attention as the rest of the office.
Contact The Contractors: Get in touch with those who know exactly how to design an office.

Choose The Layout

Open plan or zoned – which one will work for your business?

Remember: when settling on the right layout for your design, you’re not just choosing a floorplan for 2026… you’re also choosing one for 2036, 2046, and maybe even 2056!

The preferred office layout changes every few years, and (luckily for you) right now it’s all about adaptability and flexibility. Regardless of which trends may unfold in the coming years, these are the design principles to stick to, as your workplace needs to grow and change with your business.

With this in mind, it’s time to choose between these two main layouts:

Open Plan: Break down barriers, both structural and interpersonal, with a coworking space that is divided only by moveable partitions. Going down this route also unlocks the flexibility to further adapt your office layout over time.
Modular Zones: Accommodate all the preferred ways of working with soundproofed pods for deep focus, private conference rooms for confidential meetings, and town hall areas for weekly all-hands.

Install New Floors

Your office needs durable flooring that will withstand daily use for years to come.

Whether they’re running across the floor to deliver a report, or pacing back and forth on an important call, your employees are on their feet for more of the day than you might think.

Your flooring must accommodate your office’s average footfall without becoming worn or frayed, so measure your floors, pay close attention to your team’s movements, and choose between:

Heavy Sheet Carpeting: Perfect for busy offices, these heavy duty carpets are designed to withstand constant usage and regular cleaning.
Bespoke Fibre Carpets: Whether you need non-slip or anti-static carpet tiles, there is a bespoke carpet out there with the exact properties you are after… and available in your brand colours too!

Whichever option you prefer, opt for carpet tiles that can be switched out for new ones as needed, without having to replace the entire carpet.

Decorate The Space

Decorating your office is an opportunity to reflect and reinforce your brand.

Incorporating your company’s visual branding around your office is a strategic choice: not just a decorative one. Your brand should be evident from the moment someone walks into your office to the minute they leave, and must be reinforced throughout their visit with subtle, strategic reminders.

Create a workspace that tells the story of your brand with:

Colour Scheme: Strategically decorate walls around your office with your company colours to catch the sunlight and reflect your branding throughout the day.
Custom Graphics: Motivate your employees every single day with wall graphics that highlight the key achievements and real-world impact of your business.
Wall Art: Keep your team engaged during those mid-afternoon slumps with a visually stimulating decor – or, why not collaborate with a local artist to bring your walls to life?

Refurbish The Washroom

The washroom deserves the same consideration and attention as the rest of the office.

In any office, the washroom is just as important as the most welcoming front desk or the grandest corner office. Your employees deserve a designated space that is equipped for their needs and designed with their comfort in mind, and it is your responsibility as an employer to provide them with it.

When designing the washroom, bear the following in mind:

Accessibility: The space must be accessible to all e.g. on the ground floor, and featuring wide entry doors to accommodate wheelchair users.
Fixtures: All washroom features, such as sinks, driers, and paper towel dispensers, should be at an appropriate height for all users. Grab bars should also be included to aid mobility around the space.
Inclusivity: Where possible, washrooms should include gender-neutral facilities. You must also provide adequate facilities for new and expectant mothers, so consider the provision of a separate ‘Wellness Room’ for your female employees.

Contact The Contractors

Finally, it’s time to get in touch with those who know exactly how to design an office.

The expertise of contractors is essential to refurbishing your office in line with your expectations. Think of this as the perfect, practical partnership: you know how your team works and what they need, and your contractors know how to deliver a workplace guided by your insight.

The contractors that you partner with will handle the following on your behalf:

Outline The Project: They will arrange a schedule of works that details what needs to be done and in what order.
Hire Contractors: If additional services are needed, then your chosen contractor will be responsible for hiring and overseeing them.
Conduct Checks: They will carry out the relevant safety and compliance checks, or arrange to have them done.

So review their credentials and consider your options before making your final decision.